Charitable Activities

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the elders of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled, Bylakuppe, India.

Since 2016, FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been offering vital support to elderly homes in India and Nepal that provide care for Tibetan refugee elders who have no one else to care for them.

In 2023, we granted US$169,067.19 to six different elderly homes. This support has benefited over 250 Tibetan senior citizens and includes a contribution for the renovation of three destitute families’ homes in Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh and near the border of Assam and Bhutan.

Offering support to the elderly has been guided by the profound vision of our beloved teacher, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Rinpoche’s vision continues to inspire us to help create a meaningful and compassionate environment for our elders and senior citizens and we are committed to continue to offer support as we can.

Rinpoche believed in going beyond the mere fulfillment of material needs and Rinpoche always emphasized the importance to also help create the causes for the elders to collect merits, purify negative karma, and when possible, practice and study the Buddhadharma and recently Rinpoche composed several practices and teachings in Tibetan for their daily use.

Upon receiving the heartbreaking news of Rinpoche’s passing, the residents of the elderly homes we have been supporting gathered to offer pujas and prayers beseeching the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Many of the homes sent messages expressing their profound sadness and how grateful they are for the care and support that Rinpoche has given them over the years, especially when it was so hard to find. 

We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishment this year, as we have make a real difference in the lives Tibetan refugee elders by providing essential needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.

Jampaling Elders Home, Dharamsala.

Jampaling Elders Home located in Dharamsala, Northern India, holds a special place just beneath the revered temple of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Operated by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), this home provides refuge for destitute individuals or those unable to care for their elderly family members due to difficult circumstances. With its serene surroundings, including beautiful pine trees, multiple prayer wheels, and vibrant prayer flags, Jampaling has become a genuine sanctuary for 76 elder Tibetans living in exile. These residents are accommodated in shared rooms, with each room housing two individuals. The home ensures they are provided with daily nutritional meals, clothing, and access to necessary medical facilities.

In 2023, FPMT’s Social Services Fund allocated a total of $34,447.28 to support Jampaling Elder’s Home. This contribution covered operational expenses, medical assistance, as well as vital improvements such as door replacements and repainting of the old building. At present, the home houses 76 elders, although its maximum capacity is designed to accommodate 156 individuals. 

Elders of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled, Bylakuppe, India, receiving care.

Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled is in Bylakuppe, Southern India. It is recognized as one of the 14 homes operating under the governance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). These homes play a vital role in providing accommodation and support to elderly, first-wave Tibetan refugees who often find themselves without families of their own. For those in need, such facilities offer a glimmer of hope and a sense of belonging. Recognizing the importance of supporting such endeavors, FPMT extends a helping hand, aiming to repay the kindness and bravery displayed by the Tibetan people. Over the years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has graced Lugsam Samduling with His presence on numerous occasions. His visits have brought immense joy and inspiration to the residents and staff alike, further reinforcing the profound connection between Rinpoche and the home.

In 2023, the FPMT Social Services Fund took great pleasure in providing an offering of US$19,603.03 to support the well-being of 38 elders residing at Lugsam Samduling. This contribution ensures that these individuals receive the care, assistance, and companionship they require in their later years.

Residents of Doeguling Home for Elderly and Disabled, Mundgod, India, with nurses.

Doeguling Home for Elderly and Disabled, nestled within the Doeguling Tibetan Refugee Settlement in Mundgod, has been a valued beneficiary of FPMT Charitable Funds since 2016. This year, we are delighted to announce that we have provided a contribution of US$57,451.62 to support their crucial work. In addition to the ongoing support for their annual expenses, we are dedicated to ensuring that individuals in need of surgeries also receive the necessary assistance. In collaboration with the private Suchirayu Hospital in Hubballi, Doeguling Home has arranged for eight patients to undergo various surgeries. These procedures will include knee replacements, spine surgery with fusion, and hip replacements. Recognizing that these individuals are of senior age and require additional care during the postoperative stage, they have also arranged for daily visits from physiotherapists. The primary objective is to prioritize their comfort and holistic recovery. At Doeguling Home, the well-being and smooth recovery of the patients remain their utmost priority and through this support we are ensuring that they can receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation resources.

Residents of the Rabgayling Tibetan Family Welfare Association, Hunsur.

The Rabgayling Tibetan Family Welfare Association, situated in Hunsur, Southern India, is a dedicated NGO that provides vital assistance to impoverished and needy families, as well as elderly individuals and children from the Tibetan refugee community. This support is extended to the village of Gurupura, located 12 kilometers away from Hunsur Town and 60 kilometers away from Mysore City in the state of Karnataka. Within this community, the Hunsur Old Age Home serves as a safe place for six male and seven female elders. The oldest resident, Mr. Karmi, is 99 years old, while the youngest, Mr. Gyamtso, is 79 years old.

It is our privilege to offer a contribution of US$28,123.98 this year to support their operational expenses. Through this financial support, we strive to alleviate the burdens faced by the Rabgayling Tibetan Family Welfare Association and enable them to continue providing essential care to those in need.

Elders of The Old Age Home in Kalimpong, India.

The Old Age Home in Kalimpong, managed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), provides essential care and support to elderly individuals. This year, a monetary contribution of US$6,125.94 has been allocated to cover food and medical expenses for 25 elders. Additionally, efforts have been made to improve the facility by repainting the old building.

Kalimpong is a scenic hilly town located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Historically, it served as a significant trading center between Tibet and India. However, following the Chinese invasion in 1959, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled across the Himalayas, often using the same trade route. Many found their way to Kalimpong, seeking safety and shelter. The Kalimpong Old People Home was constructed in 2012 as a response to the growing needs of the Tibetan refugee community. The home has a maximum capacity of 40 elders, and at present, it is providing a caring environment for 25 elderly individuals.

Elders and others in Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement gathered to offer mass prayers for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Located in Odisha, Eastern India, Odisha Phuntsokling Settlement Old People’s Home (OPH) is an establishment managed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Since 2021, we have been providing continuous support to this facility.

In 2023 we contributed a total of US$18,377.84 for the well-being of 17 elderly individuals. The OPH was established in 1974 with the aim of providing care and support to elderly members of the community. At present, they have 17 residents, six of whom are above 90 years old, and the remaining 11 are above 75 years old. Regrettably, one of the elders recently passed away due to old age, but three new members joined OPH this year. In their daily routine, many of the residents find immense joy in attending both morning and evening prayers in the prayer hall. They also take pleasure in sharing meals together in the dining hall, where they enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a community. Additionally, OPH organizes visits from spiritual teachers who deliver short discourses on the teachings of Buddha. These sessions aim to alleviate negative emotions such as anger and fear and instead foster positive emotions such as love and compassion among the residents. Each year, they arrange visits from school students who volunteer to assist and entertain the elderly residents. They perform Tibetan songs and dances, and everyone gathers to share a meal together, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Destitute family dwellings in need of repair.

Tenzingang Settlement, situated in the sub-himalayan range in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Tenzingang is situated on a hilly area and operates under the governance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The CTA plays a crucial role in overseeing and supporting the ongoing efforts to assist destitute families and facilitate the necessary renovations. Their involvement ensures that the process is carried out efficiently and in accordance with established guidelines. For nearly a year, the CTA has conducted a destitute survey, and they are nearing completion, with only the Nepal settlements remaining.

Throughout the survey, they discovered that many destitute families were living in extremely poor conditions and lacked the means to renovate their houses due to their economic circumstances. Their houses are in dire need of repair and renovation.

Responding to the request made by the CTA, FPMT Social Services Fund has allocated US$1,801.02 to facilitate the renovation of the roofs for the two destitute families. Each of these families consists of three members, and this contribution will go directly towards the improvement of their living conditions. It’s important to note that CTA does not distribute funds directly to the families. Instead, they coordinate with the settlement office to carry out the necessary renovations for them.

Established in 1967, Kamrao became a registered society with an initial population of 469 settlers. The settlement is situated in  Himachal Pradesh, close to Paonta Sahib. Currently, the settlement has a population of 173 individuals and does not have any Old People’s Homes. Kamrao consists of a single village comprised of 45 families. Addressing the urgent housing renovation needs of two destitute families, FPMT Social Services Fund has granted US$3,136.48 to the Kamrao Settlement for the rebuilding of a house of one family living in very poor conditions. This collaboration between the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and FPMT exemplifies their shared dedication to enhance the living conditions of those in need.

We are humbled and grateful for the ongoing opportunity to support these homes. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors whose unwavering support has made these grants possible. Your compassion and commitment have truly made a profound impact in many people’s lives.

All are welcome to contribute any amount to the Social Services Fund, helping us ensure continuous support for elderly homes and those who are truly vulnerable and in need

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa at Lawudo in process.

Anila Ngawang Samten, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s sister, is constructing an eight level, 12-foot high and 11-foot wide Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa, Nepal, for the swift return and success of all Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT’s projects.

We are so pleased to share an update on this stupa from  Ven. Nyima Tashi Sherpa, a relative of Lama Zopa Rinpoche; and Ven. Tsultrim, a Swiss nun who has been at Lawudo since Spring 2022. 

The Victory Stupa at Lawudo Gompa is being constructed according to the profound visionary instructions of Trulshik Rinpoche and carries significant implications for the global FPMT community, as well as for all sentient beings.

Ani Ngawang Samten has been unwavering in her dedication to preserve Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s legacy and fulfilling his aspirations. With a heart full of wisdom and compassion, Ani Ngawang Samten committed herself to ensuring that Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s rebirth occurs swiftly, while simultaneously upholding the visionary goals of FPMT. This extraordinary dedication extends to her ceaseless puja rituals conducted at both Lawudo and Thubten Choeling Monastery in Solukhumbu, and her recent request for a full reading of the Kangyur at Thubten Choeling Monastery to safeguard the construction of the stupa.

Ani Ngawang Samten and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lawudo Retreat Centre, 1976. LYWA collection.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ani Ngawang Samten, Kopan Monastery, 2018. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsag.

Ani Ngawang Samten has consulted with esteemed lamas within the Lawudo area, including Kerok Lama Ngawang Tsultrim Rinpoche, Charok Tenzing Tinley Rinpoche, and Khapa Pema, all of whom have been trained in the instructions for constructing this profound stupa by Trulshik Rinpoche, in order to ensure their support and receive their expert guidance for this monumental endeavor.

Various holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

The Victory Stupa, as per Trulshik Rinpoche’s instructions, stands as a beacon of spiritual transformation for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students and the FPMT family. This magnificent structure, adorned in red, black, and white; symbolizes love, the transcendence of ignorance, and the purity of purpose. It is a sanctuary for the perfect practice, equanimity, wisdom, diversity knowledge, and compassion.  This sacred endeavor holds the power to nourish the very essence of these qualities in the hearts of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s devoted students and FPMT practitioners, fostering a radiant transformation that transcends time and space. It houses essential articles, substances, mantras, and potent tsa tsa elements that serve to shield our universe from conflict, scarcity, and natural calamities rooted in the earth, water, fire, and wind elements.

Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo, which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

In addition, it is Ani-la’s wish that in accordance with the Mahayana tradition of reincarnation, since Lama Yeshe’s mind stream is also so precious to us, that this stupa help dispel ignorance, and protect and preserve the holy mind of Lama Yeshe so that Lama Osel can help to benefit the world.

Holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

Furthermore, illuminating the sanctity of this project is Rinpoche’s dear childhood friend, Ngawang Nyendak, a Thame monk who has steadfastly performed regular practices, such as incense pujas  for FPMT at Lawudo over the past eight years. His continuous efforts, including the powerful fortune-hooking puja after Rinpoche’s parinirvana, stand as a testament to the profound dedication that supports this sacred initiative.

Set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

In a most auspicious development,  a precious tooth relic of Lama Zopa Rinpoche will be invited to Lawudo Gompa on the merit-multiplying day of Buddha’s return from the deva realm, November 4, 2023, Lhabab Duchen. This auspicious occasion aligns with Ani Ngawang Samten’s decision to consecrate both the renovated stupa of Lawudo Lama Kunsang Yeshe and the stupa of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The construction of the stupa began on July 11, 2023, and is now nearing completion. The stupa is 12-feet high and 11-feet wide, and has eight levels. It is located at Changtang Gombu, 200 meters below Lawudo Gompa on a well-used track and occupies a position where it dominates the landscape and can be seen from around the valley and is in a natural spot for sitting, prayer, and circumambulation.

Central channel of the Victory Stupa surrounded by tsa tsas.

Some of the holy and precious objects which will reside in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

Eight levels of the Victory Stupa:

• The first level has different types of weapons to shield our universe from conflict and war.
• The second level has various nutritious grains to save the world from scarcity of food and famine.
• The third level contains the central channel surrounded by 400,000 to 500,000 tsa tsas of different types. Also surrounding the central shaft are various powerful mantras.
• The fourth level is “Rinpoche’s palace.” It contains various precious items that belonged to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as a set of complete robes used at Lawudo, a bell, dorje and damaru, a crystal rosary used by Rinpoche during long life retreat at Maratika, etc. There are also texts used by or books with Rinpoche’s teachings. Additionally, there are various offerings in Rinpoche’s palace, including a mandala set and a set of offering bowls containing the eight substances with the conch shell placed first as an auspicious gesture by Anila Ngawang Samten to be able to receive teachings from the Yangsi.

Mantras which will go inside Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Victory Stupa.

• The fifth level contains a 14-inch Amitayus statue from Rinpoche’s cave which Anila offered to Rinpoche during a long life puja in Lawudo.
• The sixth level contains a set of 10-inch statues of the Buddhas of the Five Types from the main Lawudo Gompa.
• The seventh level contain a holy body, speech and mind offering—a 10-inch statue of Guru Shakyamuni, an 8-inch statue of Guru Rinpoche and an 8-inch Enlightenment Stupa from the cave along with a text belonging to Rinpoche from the old library.
• The top level is the symbolic Victory Banner which crowns the stupa.

Ani Ngawang Samten’s constant presence in Lawudo for over 55 years has granted her profound insights into the challenges faced by individuals journeying from all corners of the world. With deep empathy, she ardently wishes for all those who visit Lawudo–whether for retreat, meditation, pilgrimage, or a simple day’s excursion–to be bestowed with the blessings of these sacred objects. Anila envisions Lawudo as a sanctuary where the weary souls of visitors find solace, healing, and relief from the burdens of discouragement, depression, fear, anger, and frustration inherent in the human experience.

Furthermore, Ani Ngawang Samten fervently prays that the serene grounds of Lawudo become a wellspring of compassion, renunciation, and liberation from delusions. The very essence of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to building Lawudo Gompa in 1967/68 is embedded within the mud, timber, and stones that comprise this blessed place. Ani Ngawang Samten believes that Lawudo Gompa is an invaluable haven for devotees of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

May the construction of the Victory Stupa at Lawudo Monastery bring boundless benefits to all sentient beings, while propelling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision for FPMT toward a future unencumbered by obstacles.

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service. 

The medical staff of the Shakyamuni Health Clinic poses for a photo, expressing their gratitude and thanking all of the kind benefactors for their generous support.

The FPMT Social Services Fund is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, particularly in India and Mongolia. With a compassionate approach, we strive to support projects that serve vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, the sick, and those who are extremely poor. Our grants are aimed to fund initiatives that can make an impact in local communities. This includes providing help for vital resources like health clinics, soup kitchens, and other non-governmental organizations supporting local Tibetan and Mongolian communities. We believe in the power of these projects to bring about positive change and improve the overall well-being.

In 2023, through the Social Services Fund we have offered US$188,858 to support these critical initiatives. Thanks to all who continue to support this fund, together we can continue to make a difference and extend our reach to even more individuals in need.

A young child with cerebral palsy who receives care from Shakyamuni Health Clinic.

The Shakyamuni Health Clinic, located in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, is a renowned NGO managed by the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture. With a history dating back to 1991, this clinic has been providing healthcare services to the local community of Gaya District. In 2022, after two challenging years of Covid-19 lockdowns, the Clinic successfully treated 31,629 patients with high-quality medicine. Remarkably, 67% of these visits were follow-ups and returns, reflecting the community’s deep trust and reliance on the clinic. In particular, the Clinic conducted 7,934 mobile clinic visits and registered 19,346 in-clinic visits. Despite the obstacles faced during the pandemic, the Clinic is making efforts to resume programs that were temporarily halted. This includes vital services like dental care and health education for adolescent girls. Of special importance is the attention given to children with cerebral palsy.

To support the operational expenses of the Clinic, such as salaries, medical supplies, overhead costs, and maintenance, a total of US$29,400 was allocated in 2023. The Shakyamuni Health Clinic remains committed to serving the local community and improving healthcare access for all. Through continuous efforts and support, they strive to make a positive impact and uplift the lives of those in need and we have been offering substantial support to their vital work since 2012.

Director of the Maitri Charitable Trust Adriana Ferranti receiving blessings and appreciation for her work from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, January 2023.

The Maitri Charitable Trust, located in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, is a widely recognized charity that has dedicated over 34 years of tireless service to uplift the impoverished people of Gaya District. Their unwavering commitment revolves around two primary areas: the Leprosy and TB programs, which encompass outreach activities in various villages ,and hospital care. The devoted staff of the Maitri project have provided continuous support to these programs for many years.

Mother care clinic offered through Maitri.

In terms of TB patients, their efforts extend beyond identification to ensuring that individuals are referred to government service centers. Each new patient discovered signifies a step towards reducing the spread of the disease, saving lives, and preventing the disintegration of families. Maitri plays a crucial role in constantly monitoring patients and arranging hospitalization when necessary. They believe that providing support to the patients is an integral aspect of their recovery, particularly for those who are poor. For example, the distribution of blankets reduces the worsening of a disease, while access to food and medicinal supplements ensures that inadequate nutrition, and other health issues do not impede their recovery journey.

The Social Services Fund is delighted to offer their support in 2023, contributing US$68,000 to cover a significant portion of Maitri’s annual budget. However, the Maitri project requires additional funds for the maintenance of their campus buildings, such as repairing walls and roofs, and acquiring a new jeep van. We have been committed to offering support to Maitri’s essential work, providing annual grants since 2012 ensuring the continuation of their impactful work in improving the lives of local Gaya community. 

Young beneficiaries of the Lamp of the Path soup kitchen enjoying lunch.

Lamp of the Path, located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In 2022, their Soup Kitchen served a nourishing hot bowl of soup with bread and tea to over 40-50 people daily, totaling 13,520 bowls of soup throughout the year. On November 30, 2022, the Mobile Kitchen Project was initiated, starting with a trial phase where hot meals were delivered to 20 poor families in Bayanzurkh District. The aim of the mobile kitchen is to improve people’s health through increased accessibility and provide quality traditional nutritious Mongolian food, including dumplings, pancakes, noodle soup with vegetables, and more. It has two main objectives as well: enhancing the nutritional quality for poor bedridden and disabled individuals in the ger district and expanding community-oriented projects. Meals are delivered throughout five working days. To fulfill their aim procurement of equipment for the project has been successfully completed. In addition to the current employees of Lamp of the Path, a new assistant cook, and a delivery driver have been hired to support the operations.

Lamp of the Path is thrilled that the activities of their community center have improved, providing support to more vulnerable individuals. We were delighted to fully cover their annual needs by offering $39,200.00 in 2023 and this is now the eleventh year that we have been able to offer this kind of support. 

Patient Care Trust free medical camp at Drepung Loseling Monastery, January 2023

Patient Care Trust (PCT) provides marginalized Tibetan refugees with timely access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services. In collaboration with eight reputable government hospitals in India, PCT offers these services almost free of charge. The trust was named and blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and it was founded in February 2012 by Mr. Sonam Wangyal. Registered as an NGO in 2014, PCT operates its central office in Majnu Ka Tilla Tibetan colony, New Delhi.

PCT conducts medical camps both online and in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, with the support of highly qualified doctors from PCT’s allied Indian government hospitals. Since 2018, seven such camps have been organized, providing treatment to 4,695 patients. These medical camps allow PCT to reach many patients within a short period, while also gathering valuable data on the health conditions of local Tibetans. If a medical camp is unable to address a particular illness or disease, PCT refers the patient for immediate treatment at one of their allied government hospitals in Delhi, often at little or no cost. During the Covid-19 pandemic, PCT adapted its services by facilitating virtual consultations, necessary follow-ups, and providing education and advice on disease management online.

To support PCT’s initiatives, thanks to a grant from Italian Buddhist Union (UBI), the Social Services Fund, is partially covering their annual budget and providing US$10,000 in 2023. This contribution will enable PCT to continue its vital work and make a positive impact on the lives of Tibetan refugee community. 

The Tibetan Heart Foundation’s free medical camp.

The Tibetan Heart Foundation (THF), based in New Delhi, India, is an NGO dedicated to supporting the local Tibetan community. Its primary objective is to raise awareness about heart-related issues through programs and free medical camps in Tibetan exile communities. THF also plays a crucial role in guiding and assisting patients in accessing the best heart hospitals and raising funds for their treatment. In addition, they provide translation and guidance support to patients who face language difficulties, ensuring they receive the necessary care. Furthermore, THF facilitates eye checkups, resulting in 24 patients undergoing successful eye surgeries in 2022. They also arrange consultations with various specialists, including cardiologists, urologists, ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, and neurologists. This holistic approach ensures that the Tibetan community receives comprehensive healthcare services.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche specifically asked the Social Services Fund to offer the Tibetan Heart Foundation US$6,151 to support their needs. This contribution will enable THF to continue their valuable work in supporting the Tibetan community’s health and well-being.   

Monks affected by dengue fever in a hospital.

The Sera Mey Social Service Society operates within the premises of Sera Monastic University in Bylakuppe, India. During the summer 2023, their focus was on raising awareness about the increasing number of dengue fever cases in the community. They implemented various measures to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Additionally, they successfully provided the second dose of Covid-19 vaccination for Sera Mey monks. In a collaborative effort, and with thanks to a grant from Italian Buddhist Union (UBI), the Social Services Fund is delighted to announce that we have sponsored a new ambulance vehicle by donating US$36,107.40 in 2023.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the compassionate donors who generously supported the crucial projects aimed at assisting local communities in 2023. Your kindness and contributions have made a remarkable impact and are truly appreciated.

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to help ensure support essential health care for those who are truly vulnerable and in need. 

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

Students of Maitreya School, Bodhgaya, thank kind donors for their support!

Since 2012, FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been providing vital support to schools in India and Nepal that serve students from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. This support encompasses essentials such as food, uniforms, school supplies, and teacher salaries, effectively enabling these schools to offer quality education free of charge.

 In 2023, through the Social Services Fund we granted US$260,807.75 to eight different schools. This support has benefited over 1,500 school aged children in India and Nepal.

We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishment this year, which is helping to break the cycle of poverty in underprivileged communities. Our efforts are providing essential contemporary education and also integrating the profound teachings of the Dharma and cultural preservation.

Students of Ngari Institute with their tutor.

Located in the remote desert-like region of Ladakh, Ngari Institute holds great importance in preserving the Tibetan way of life, culture, and religion. While Ladakh itself is one of the most sparsely populated areas in India, its cultural and historical ties with Tibet remain strong, despite the majority religious groups being Muslims (46%) and Buddhists (40%). Established in 2010 and inaugurated by His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama in 2016, Ngari Institute currently supports 69 students, accompanied by a dedicated team of 21 staff members. With a larger objective of educating 200 children, the institute specifically focuses on providing opportunities to orphans, children of single parents, those from poor families, and young monks in training. Primary school students are enrolled in government public schools while intermediate and secondary school students attend private schools, with fees being covered by Ngari Institute. After school hours, hired teachers assist the students in completing their homework, while the resident monks impart knowledge of Tibetan language and meditation practices. The Institute ensures that students receive essential provisions including room, board, tuition fees, books, and clothing allowances, as well as access to medical care. In 2023, 30 graduates were pursuing their studies in various fields, including engineering, Tibetan medicine, Sanskrit, and psychology.

Since 2013, the Social Services Fund has been offering assistance to Ngari Institute. This year,  US$30,097.17 was offered to cover all the food for the students and teachers in 2023.

Students of Sagarmatha Secondary School.

Sagarmatha Secondary School, Chailsa, Solukhumbu, Nepal, is located in Solu Khumbu, a picturesque region in north-eastern Nepal that borders Tibet. Since 2015, the FPMT has taken on the responsibility of sponsoring Sagarmatha Secondary School to provide education to 220 students, comprising 125 boys and 95 girls. Sixteen dedicated teachers and eight caring staff members support the students. Most of them belong to the Sherpa ethnic group, celebrating their unique heritage. The management of the school is overseen by the Kopan Monastery, ensuring a nurturing and well-rounded learning environment for the students.

In the year 2017, Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited the school. The whole school community was filled with joy as Rinpoche blessed the school. The children welcomed Rinpoche with a traditional dance, symbolizing their appreciation for his kindness and wisdom. During the visit, Lama Zopa Rinpoche took the time to provide an explanation of the practice of water bowls offering, which has been carefully followed by the school community ever since.

Understanding the importance of meeting the school’s annual needs, the Social Services Fund has offered support since 2015. In 2023, US$45,000 has been allocated to cover the necessary expenses, ensuring that the school can continue to provide quality education and maintain a nurturing environment.

Rinpoche with the students of Shree Sangka Decholing Gonpa School, March 2023.

Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School is located in Taplejung, Nepal. This area is renowned for its proximity to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, adding to the natural beauty that surrounds the school.

Registered in 2007, Shree Sangka School faced challenges in its early years and was not able to function properly until 2014. It was during this time that Ven. Thubten Jikdol, a Kopan Monastery monk, took the initiative to run the school, gradually expanding the grounds in 2016. Over the span of seven years, the school faced various obstacles that are common for the schools in the Himalayan regions. These challenges included developing new curriculums, establishing monastic schools for monks and nuns, as well as creating schools for the lay communities. The aim was to incorporate the Buddhist teachings, focusing on love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with the goal of nurturing a caring society and fostering the development of good human beings.

Since 2019, the school has been receiving support from the Social Services Fund. Moreover, the responsibility for the school has now been taken over by Kopan Monastery, further solidifying its commitment to the school’s growth and development.

In March 2023, Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited the school and attended the inauguration of the new school building. It was a joyous event, symbolizing the support and belief in the school’s mission and potential. In 2023 we have been able to cover the entire school budget of US$37,280.50 benefiting its 105 students and ensuring its continued operations and that all the students, many who come from underprivileged homes, do not need to pay anything to attend this school. 

Students of Maitreya School receiving school supplies.

Maitreya School, located in Bodh Gaya, India, is one of Root Institute for Wisdom Culture’s social projects. This school plays a crucial role in providing education to underprivileged children in Bihar, the land where Buddha attained enlightenment, situated in India’s poorest state. In this region, encountering children at every turn is a common occurrence (46% of Bihar’s population are children). These children primarily reside in villages that lack essential services like schools and health centers. Without a school like Maitreya, their potential for growth and development may never be fully realized.

During Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s recent visit in January 2023, Rinpoche offered US$4,800 for the purchase of shoes, T-shirts, and tracksuits for all 233 children. Additionally, in 2023, we offered US$34,200 to address the school’s annual needs. Part of these funds has been allocated for maintenance work, specifically waterproofing and plumbing repairs. Maitreya School also recognizes the importance of supporting the professional development of their teachers. Hence, the funding will be utilized for training sessions focusing on the 16 Guidelines for Life, lesson preparation, and effective teaching methodologies.

Students of Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School eating their mid-day meal.

Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School is situated in a remote region of east-central Nepal along the Tibet border. The name “Rolwaling” translates to “valley carved by a plough,” which is apt considering the area’s steep cliffs that resemble furrows created by a plough. This region remains largely unexplored, making it an arduous trek through the mountains. As a result, every April, the school takes the responsibility of purchasing food and arranging transportation. Essential food supplies like rice, lentils, noodles, and oil are sourced from Chetchet, the nearest accessible road point, which requires a two-day walk from the school. These supplies are then transported by porters and yaks. In cases where certain food items aren’t available in Chetchet, they are procured in Kathmandu and transported to Chetchet via bus.

In the Rolwaling valley, timber serves as the primary source of fuel for cooking, and the school follows the same practice. Every year in April and May, timbers are collected and stored. Local villagers are hired for this task, and elder monk-students also eagerly volunteer to contribute to this effort.

The Rolwaling School plays a vital role in preserving the unique local Buddhist tradition by actively participating in the celebration of two major religious festivals in the valley. In January-February 2023, fifteen elder-students, accompanied by teacher Lopon Ngawang Tsenden and Geshe Thupten Jinpa, embarked on an extensive 58-day pilgrimage tour to India. Their journey included visits to sacred sites such as Lumbini, Kushinagar, and Sarnath. Finally, they arrived in Bodhgaya, where they had the privilege of attending the grand Nyingma World Peace Prayer Ceremony.

We are granted US$20,200 in support of the 27 students at Rolwaling School in 2023. This funding will greatly contribute to their educational journey and overall well-being.

Young students of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery School with new school supplies.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery School, operating under the Tashi Lhunpo Cultural Society in Bylakuppe, South India, embodies the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In this regard, the monastery seeks to integrate traditional Buddhist philosophy education and practice with modern subjects. Therefore, the primary objective of the school is to offer a comprehensive education that combines both basic modern subjects and the monastic curriculum. Currently, the school provides education from classes I to VIII, serving as a home for 164 monastic students and supported by 16 teachers. The teachers instruct a range of subjects including Science, Math, Computers, Tibetan, and English.

However, a recurring challenge faced by the school is the recruitment of qualified and experienced teachers for an extended period of time, mainly due to the lower than average salary. To address this, in 2023, we offered a grant of US$43,880.40 for one year of sponsorship for all the teacher salaries. This is a crucial investment in the school’s mission to provide quality education and uphold its holistic approach to learning.

Students of Gaden Jangtse Monastic College with school books.

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, situated in South India, is a monastic institution associated with the Gelug lineage of the Tibetan Buddhist. Its primary focus is on providing education and training to monks, with a particular emphasis on Buddhist philosophy, scripture, debate, and meditation. The college is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhist teachings and values. Within the Gaden Jangtse School, there are currently 570 students and 15 teachers on salary. Additionally, 15 volunteer teachers, who are senior monks in the College, contribute their expertise. We were very happy to extend support to Gaden Jangtse College for the first time, offering US$41,472.48 toward the Teachers Salary Fund. This contribution has been made possible thanks to the generous support through the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund. This donation enabled the college to provide salaries to their teachers and continue providing a comprehensive education to young monks.

Namgyal Tantric College, situated in Dharamshala, India, stands out from other Tibetan monasteries due to its unique purpose. Serving as the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery is a non-sectarian institution responsible for upholding and preserving the ritual practices and teachings of all the four main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.

Recognizing the importance of modern education and following His Holiness the Dalai lama’s advice, the monastery’s Education Committee approached FPMT for assistance in covering the annual salaries of 17 teachers. Currently, the monastery accommodates and educates 113 student monks, providing them with a curriculum that encompasses both traditional Buddhist philosophy and modern academic subjects, including English, math, science, and computer studies.

With great pleasure, we offered US$8,677.20 to support the salaries of these dedicated teachers. This donation has been made through the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund, emphasizing its commitment to fostering compassion and wisdom within the world. The contribution will undoubtedly play a significant role in sustaining the Monastery’s educational activities and ensuring the continuity of spiritual traditions.

We are profoundly grateful for the ongoing opportunity to support all these schools and educational institutes, offering a modern and Dharma education to sangha and students. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors whose unwavering support has made these offerings possible. Your compassion and commitment have truly made a profound impact.

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to help ensure support to the education of those in need in India and Nepal continues far into the future.

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.

H.E. Jhado Rinpoche with some of the participants of the 2023 Nyung Na at IVY.

Institut Vajra Yogini (IVY) in France has hosted its twelfth series of 108 Nyung Na retreats from November 2022 to June 2023. One of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization was to sponsor people who make a serious commitment in this life to complete 1,000 Nyung Na retreats, and IVY kindly began to host the retreats every year to help fulfill this vision. For the last ten years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been sponsoring the food and accommodation for a number of people, each year, who undertake the 108 Nyung Na retreats, and in 2023, US$11,522 was offered toward the retreat. We are very happy to continue to offer support each year toward the retreats, in alignment with Rinpoche’s wishes. 

The Nyung Na retreat is a two-day intensive practice that includes taking the 24-hour Mahayana precepts every day, with the addition of complete fasting and silence every second day. There are three sessions of about three hours each day, including meditation, prostrations, and mantra recitation. It is a powerfully effective, experiential practice that can be done by anyone with respect and faith for the practice. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has highly praised Nyung Na retreat as a supreme method for transforming the mind.

Four people completed the full round of 108 Nyung Na retreats this year and around 50 people joined to do one or a few two-day retreats. Like last year, Ven. Charles, the retreat leader, offered the morning sessions online every day as well as one complete two-day Nyung Na retreat online once a month, so more students could participate from home. An incredible 600 Nyung Na retreats have been completed at Institut Vajra Yogini over this period by those practicing on site and at home online, although the exact count is difficult to know with the inclusion of the online retreatants. Please take a moment to rejoice!

There were the times when there were only six participants and sometimes around twenty people joined the retreat. The long-term participants enjoy doing this practice in a bigger group as Nyung Na retreats can be more powerful when more people participate, says Nicolas, the director of Institut Vajra Yogini.

Compared to the previous retreats held during the pandemic, it has been much easier to manage the retreat as the Institute did not need to organize COVID tests and follow the safety protocols. This was time-consuming previously, especially due to the high turnover of short-term participants, according to Nicolas.

This spring was especially difficult for the long-term participants, who used to receive personal advice and guidance from Lama Zopa Rinpoche. They did their practice in the midst of great loss and grief when Rinpoche showed the aspect of passing away.

It was a moment of joy when His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche, the former abbot of Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries, visited the Institute on May 4-7, 2023, and over four days conferred the Thousand-Arm Chenrezig initiation and offered a commentary on Nyung Na practice.

To continue fulfilling Rinpoche’s Vast Visions, Institut Vajra Yogini has already begun planning for the thirteenth series of 108 Nyung Na retreats, which will begin mid-November 2023 to mid-June 2024. The retreats are led in French but can be followed simultaneously in English and other languages. 

Please join us in rejoicing in twelve consecutive years of Nyung Na retreats at Institut Vajra Yogini. 

If you would like to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wish to support these important retreats, you are welcome to offer any amount to the Practice and Retreats Fund

 If you are interested in joining the Nyung Na retreat, please contact Institut Vajra Yogini’s Center Director. 

Puja being offered at Kopan Monastery, April, 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab

Chokhor Duchen (commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha’s first turning of the wheel of Dharma) occurs on July 21, 2023. Based on the wishes and advice of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, on that day, we are making a monetary offering to over ten thousand sangha, while they are engaged in offering pujas and prayers for the entire FPMT organization.

The pujas we have arranged on Chokhor Duchen are:

• Recitation of the Kangyur (108 volumes of the sutras taught by Shakyamuni Buddha) by Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery.
• Recitation of the Prajnaparamita Sutra by Gyudmed Tantric College.

As Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained:

Even memorizing four lines of the teachings of the perfection of wisdom has unbelievable, mind-blowing benefits. The Buddha explained that the benefits are equal to the number of worlds equaling the number of sand grains of the river Ganges. Just memorizing four lines – one stanza – of the teachings on the perfection of wisdom collects far greater merit than if you were to fill that many worlds with precious jewels, gold, diamonds, and silver and make offerings of these to the Buddha. Even though the offering is unbelievably mind-blowing, extensive, it is very small if you compare it to the benefits of memorizing just four lines of the teachings on the perfection of wisdom.

The Buddha said, “Wherever this Prajnaparamita teaching is, I am there.” The Buddha said to Kunga (Ananda) one should not degenerate or allow even a little bit of the teaching of the Prajnaparamita to be destroyed. The Buddha asked Kunga to look after and protect the teachings of the Prajnaparamita. Sponsoring the recitation of the Prajnaparamita is also a service to the teachings of the Buddha – to preserve and spread them. It is a very important service to the Buddha – this is what Buddha cherished so much, the teachings on the Prajnaparamita.

Monks offering puja at Sera Lachi Monastery.

In addition to these two incredible sutra recitations there will be:

• One Thousand Offerings to Namgyalma and Sixty-Four Offerings to Kalarupa by Sera Lachi Monastery and Gyuto Tantric College
• Medicine Buddha puja and Sixty-Four Offerings to Kalarupa by Gaden Lachi Monastery
• Namgyalma long life ritual and Sixty-Four Offerings to Kalarupa by Drepung Lachi Monastery
• Offerings will be made to the ten thousand sangha who are undertaking these pujas, to all the IMI sangha communities, and to all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus.
• The stupas of Boudhanath and Swambyunath in Nepal will be freshly painted, and the umbrellas at the pinnacle of each stupa will be replaced with the best quality cloth.
• A new set of robes will be offered to the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya.
• Sangha will also be printing various sutras, making stupas and Buddha tsa-tsas, and liberating animals.

All these practices are dedicated to the swift return of our most precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, for the success of the whole FPMT organization, and to all the kind donors.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this advice during a FPMT Board Meeting in September 1990:

There is nothing compared to making offerings to the sangha in these monasteries, because all these sangha are disciples of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other gurus. Offering tea to one disciple is better than making offering to all the Buddhas.

“Since these pujas are to be performed for as long as the monasteries exist, somebody can, if they want to participate, put in one dollar in the fund. The fund is then used to benefit all the monasteries and nunneries engaged in the pujas, including Kopan Monastery and Nunnery. I thought that setting up these things might help to create good karma for success.

Thank you to all who make this possible and especially the Sangha who undertake these prayers and practices on behalf of us all.  To join in the offerings taking place on July 21.

“The merit that is created from all these pujas is also your merit. So, you can dedicate all these merits to having realizations and to achieve enlightenment.” —Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The Puja Fund was established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to provide resources for continuous pujas dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. You can learn more about the Puja Fund, or FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity. 

Nuns offering Cittamani Tara Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s swift return, Kopan Monastery, April 2023. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

On Saka Dawa*, June 4, there will be two different recitations of the 100,000 Praises to the Twenty-One Taras, recited by over 4,000 sangha, at Sera Je and Sera Mey monasteries and Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery. This is the thirty-third consecutive year that 100,000 Praises to the Twenty-One Taras have been offered and arranged.

In addition, we have arranged on Saka Dawa:

• The recitation of the entire Prajnaparamita Sutra, Medicine Buddha puja, One Thousand Offerings to Buddha Namgyalma, and other pujas and practices offered in many monasteries in India and Nepal. 
• Offerings will be made to the ten thousand sangha who are undertaking these pujas, and to all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus.
• The stupas of Boudhanath and Swambyunath in Nepal will be freshly painted, and the umbrellas at the pinnacle of each stupa will be replaced with the best quality cloth.
• A new set of robes will be offered to the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya.
• Sangha will also be printing various sutras, making stupas and Buddha tsa-tsas, and liberating animals.

All are dedicated to the swift return of our most precious Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, for the success of the whole FPMT organization, and to all the kind donors.

So far, these offerings and pujas have not been publicized much, but I would like to make it known so that other people can participate in making these extensive offerings. The offering to all these monasteries happens continuously, every year, every month. My idea is for these offerings and pujas to continue forever or for as long as the monasteries exist. Please if you make offerings, please think in this way, and dedicate and you can also remember on the actual day that the pujas are happening, rejoice, and dedicate. This is the best business, the best way to create the most extensive merit. —Lama Zopa Rinpoche

From our heart we are committed to continuing to fulfill this request. Many times Rinpoche reminded us how important these pujas are for the overall success of the whole FPMT organization so it will be most beneficial to all beings.

 We would like to invite anyone who wishes to, to join in these collective prayers and offerings being made to the holy objects and sangha on such an auspicious day.

The merit that is created from all these pujas is also your merit. So, you can dedicate all these merits to having realizations and to achieve enlightenment. —Lama Zopa Rinpoche

*All the prayers are happening on Saka Dawa, any merit created on that day is multiplied 300 million times, as it commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha’s three major life events.

The Puja Fund was established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to provide resources for continuous pujas dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. You can learn more about the Puja Fund, or FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bodhgaya, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On May 24, 2023, FPMT has the incredibly precious opportunity to offer a long life puja to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Namgyal Monastery, Mcleod Ganj, India. All are welcome to attend in person or also join online. The puja starts at 08.00 a.m. (Indian standard time). If you are joining in person, please leave enough time to get your pass.

The Kopan monks and nuns have been working so hard to perfect the actual puja, as they will be offering the chanting and it will be based on Lama Chopa Long life puja. We will share the text with you soon so that everyone can be familiar and able to join the prayers.

The 1,000 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha which will be offered to His Holiness are well underway being created, as well as the two life-sized Namgyalma and Padmasambhava statues. These statues are being filled, gold gilded, and the faces are being painted in preparation for the offering. During the actual puja we will have more than 400 of the 1,000 statues to offer, and the remaining statues will be offered to His Holiness as soon as they are completed.

Thank you so much to everyone who has offered toward the statues and puja so far. There is still an opportunity to participate by offering statues and other offerings in the puja.

This puja is extremely poignant at this time, For many years Lama Zopa Rinpoche had made the request to offer a long life puja to His Holiness the Dalai Lama— who in actuality is Chenrezig Buddha—on behalf of FPMT.  Now we have the opportunity to fulfill this request and unbelievably moved to offer this puja on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s behalf. Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi will be offering all the symbolic long-life items during the puja, and Khen Rinpoche and Venerable Roger Kunsang will offer the mandala and body, speech, and mind to His Holiness. The puja also falls on the forty-second day of Rinpoche having showed the aspect of passing.

We very much hope that everyone can attend this heartfelt long life offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in person or online, to join this puja on Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s behalf and in order to fulfill one of Rinpoche’s recent heart wishes.

You can follow important news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

Lama Zopa Rinpoche meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, India, January, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

We have incredibly joyous news to share! On May 24, 2023 Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been given the opportunity to offer a long life puja, on behalf of the entire FPMT organization, to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Namgyal Monastery, Dharamsala, India.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is planning to offer one thousand statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, and these beautiful statues are in the process of being made, gilded in gold, filled with mantras, painted, and consecrated in Nepal. As it takes time to make one thousand Buddha statues, Rinpoche will be initially offering a few hundred statues in the actual long life puja. The remaining statues will be offered over the next few months as they are completed.

In addition, two beautiful life-size Padmasambhava and Namgyalma statues will be offered and presented to His Holiness during the long life puja.

The model of the 1,000 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha that will be offered to His Holiness.

All are invited to make an offering towards, or sponsor, one of these statues (US$300 each), which will then be offered directly to His Holiness. Any contribution towards the statues means participating in the entire offering to His Holiness. Right now, during the 15 Days of Miracles (February 21 – March 7) is also an extra special time to make offerings, when merit is multiplied 100 million times each day. Offerings are being accepted for the long life puja for His Holiness as well.

Sponsor a statue

In 2019, Lama Zopa Rinpoche also offered, on behalf of FPMT, one thousand buddha statues to His Holiness. In recent teachings the statues were often seen in the livestreams, lined up behind His Holiness. These statues are not only an auspicious offering, but they are also very useful as His Holiness often gives the statues as gifts to people who visit him.

“By offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, you are making offerings to all the buddhas and numberless bodhisattvas. This generates limitless skies of merit—every day and every second.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

May this offering create the cause for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to remain in this world for as long sentient beings remain.

You can learn more about Offering One Thousand Buddhas to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and join the offering. We also invite you to read more about the Long Life Puja Fund which funds long life pujas for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. 

You can follow important and inspiring news about His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the official website of His Holiness:
https://www.dalailama.com/news

Gyudmed Monastery monks in puja.

Beginning on Losar (February 21) and during the Fifteen Days of Miracles (through March 7), when the merit is multiplied 100 million times each day, The FPMT Puja Fund has arranged for an array of pujas and activities, as well as offerings to ten thousand Sangha who are so kindly undertaking these practices.

The main puja that will be offered during this incredibly auspicious time is the recitation of the three different Prajnaparamita Sutras (100,000 verses, 25,000 verses and 8,000 verses). This is an all day puja that will be undertaken by the monks of Gyudmed Monastery and dedicated to all the FPMT centers, projects, and services; all students, volunteers, and all beings.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has explained that in the beginning of the Madhyamakavatara text says that The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras (Prajnaparamita) is called “mother” because all the numberless past, present, and future buddhas have been born from this perfection of wisdom. Also, the numberless bodhisattvas and numberless arhats are born from this wisdom. This wisdom is what liberates numberless sentient beings from all the oceans of samsaric suffering. It is the real Dharma, the real refuge that liberates us from the oceans of samsaric suffering, whose continuation has no beginning.

This Prajnaparamita teaching is so unbelievably precious. The Buddha said, “Wherever this Prajnaparamita teaching is, I am there.” The Buddha said to Kunga (Ananda) that even if other teachings are destroyed that is okay, but one should not degenerate or allow even a little bit of the teaching of the Prajnaparamita to be destroyed. The Buddha asked Kunga to look after and protect the teachings of the Prajnaparamita.

Rinpoche also reminds us that by hearing this sutra, writing it down, reading it aloud, or memorizing it, you create unfathomable merit and from life to life and you crush the oceans of samsaric suffering and all the delusions. That is how profound this sutra is, it enables you to reach enlightenment. 

There will be many other pujas sponsored by the FPMT Puja Fund during this time as well, such as:

• One Thousand Sets of Offerings to Buddha Namgyalma, Namgyalma long life ritual, Medicine Buddha Puja and Sixty-four Offerings to Kalarupa.
• Offerings to over ten thousand Sangha (including those residing in IMI Sangha communities), and to all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s gurus.
• A new set of robes are offered to the precious Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya.
• New parasols are offered to the top of the Boudha and Swayambhu stupas, as well as offering new paint to the both stupas.
• There will be the printing of holy texts such as The Golden Light Sutra , Arya Sanghata Sutra, Vajra Cutter Sutra, Amitayus Long Life Sutra  and Sutra of Great Liberation.
  
• Up to 1,500 animals will be liberated and the making of many tsa tsas, including Kadampa stupas which will also be filled and consecrated.

Please take a moment to rejoice in all these incredible practices and offerings that have been arranged. You can also participate in any of these pujas and offerings by contributing any amount.

The Puja Fund was established by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to provide resources for continuous pujas dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the success of all the FPMT centers, projects, services, students, benefactors and those serving the organization in any way. You can learn more about the Puja Fund, or FPMT’s other extensive charitable activity. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India. November 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund was established by FPMT in 1997, at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Named after the great 14th-century founder of the Gelug tradition, the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund’s purpose is to invest in the preservation of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism by supporting the teachers of tomorrow. Preserving the Mahayana tradition is the primary objective of the entire FPMT organization and the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund is one substantial way to help continue this work.

Below are the activities supported through a total of US$153,291 in grants offered in 2022. Please join us in rejoicing!

Gelug Exam participants.

Supporting Our Lineage Teachers & the Annual Gelug Exam

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund has been covering the food and travel expenses of sangha participating in the annual Gelug Exam held at Sera Je Monastery, India. This great event draws the brightest scholars from the eight major Gelug monasteries each year, many of whom are already teaching or will go on to serve as teachers in the future. In 2022, 192 monks from eight monasteries participated in the Gelug Exam.

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund also helps cover the basic needs of 137 main teachers of the tradition by providing small monthly stipends, freeing up their time to focus on their service in teaching students and deepening their own practice.

A total of US$22,891 was offered this year to sponsor the Annual Gelug Exam and provide monthly stipends to teachers. 

Monks during the Winter Debate at Sera Je Monastery.

Grants for Winter Debate & Memorization Exams

The Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund also covered the travel expenses of sangha from Sera Je Monastery to attend the annual Winter Debate program at Gaden Monastery in Mundgod, India. Funds from a grant covered the travel costs of over 700 monks who attended, along with a few administrators and teachers who accompanied them from Sera Je. 

A Special Memorization Exam is held at Sera Je Monastery each year, and the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund offered new robes and a cash offering to the monks who accomplished memorizing the following classic texts:

• 62 monks memorized Commentary of Clear Meaning by Haribhadra
• 49 monks memorized Essence of Eloquence by Lama Tsongkhapa
• 33 monks memorized Bodhisattvacaryavatara (Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) by Shantideva
• 7 monks memorized the first chapter of General Meaning of Abhisamayalamkara Chapter One by Jetsun Chokyi Gyaltsen
• 3 monks memorized Six Collections of Reasoning by Arya Nagarjuna
• 2 monks memorized General Meaning of the Middle Way by Jetsun Chokyi Gyaltsen
• 2 monks memorized Five Treatises of Maitreya

US$27,900 was awarded in 2022 to Sera Je Monastery to support these beneficial activities.

New geshema ceremony at Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery Nepal, December 15, 2022. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Specialized Studies for Geshes and Geshemas

Each year a grant of US$87,500 is also provided to support specialized studies for 35 geshe lharampas and geshemas, allowing them to focus deeply on one of the five main monastic treatises in the subjects of Pramana, Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, and Vinaya. This project is based on the advice by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and was initiated by the Geluk International Foundation in 2020. Full funding has been received through the kind support of the U.S.-based Kaya Mandala Foundation, and the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund agreed to support the administering of grants until the geshes and geshemas complete their specialized studies. The recipients of the grant funds come from the six major monasteries in India and various nunneries.

“Taking responsibility for supporting these practitioners is extremely worthwhile because they are preserving and spreading the entire teaching of the Buddha.”  – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Funding Educational Research for Future Tibetan Medical Doctors

For the third consecutive year, the fund provided grants to Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical & Astro-science Institute in India, for the educational research of six doctors training in the traditional Tibetan medical tantras. Each doctor engaged in research to deepen their knowledge on specific topics, while they treated patients. Topics of research were centered in the three primary constitutional energies of loong, tripa, and baeken, and some focused on corresponding ailments related to imbalances of these constitutions in the body, such as asthma and hypothyroidism. In 2022, US$15,000 in grant funds were awarded through the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund.

Supporting this educational research and training for future doctors of Tibetan medicine serves to benefit Tibetan communities with new qualified doctors and preserves this precious medical science and cultural tradition.

Lama Tsongkhapa with his two main disciples.

May the Lama Tsongkhapa Tradition Flourish

We invite a moment of rejoicing in all these inspiring activities that preserve the living lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa and the Buddha’s teachings, and serve to develop our current and next generations of Dharma teachers, practitioners, and scholars.

For the Dharma king Tsongkhapa’s
Way of Dharma to flourish,
May all signs of obstacles be pacified
And all conducive conditions be complete.

Due to the two types of merits
Of the three times of myself and others,
May the teachings of the victorious one, Lozang Dragpa,
Shine resplendent forever.

If you would like to support the Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Fund, which preserves the unbroken Tsongkhapa lineage, and cultivates the foremost scholars of tomorrow. The fund provides support to the abbots and senior teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition, supports the annual Gelugpa exam and monks and nuns to attend the annual winter debate among many other activities.

Students of Visva-Bharati University, Department of Indo-Tibetan Studies, West Bengal, India, proudly displaying translation of the Heart Sutra.

In 2022, US$121,634 in grants from the FPMT Education and Preservation Fund were provided to activities promoting the dialogue between Buddhist teachings and modern education and sciences, as well as translations of Dharma texts from Tibetan into Hindi and Bengali. We invite you to read some of the activities supported this year below and rejoice!

Translation Grants

US$3,400 in grants were provided for translation projects of Dharma texts from Tibetan into Bengali and Hindu. The project was conceived of by Professor Sanjib Kumar Das, from the Department of Indo-Tibetan Studies at Visva-Bharati University of West Bengal, India. West Bengal was the birthplace of great masters such as Shantideva, Lama Atisha, and Shantarakshita, and the intention for the translation projects was to aid in the revival of Mahayana Buddhism in the region. One translation was of the Sixteen Mahasthaviras and the Seven Successors of the Buddha from Tibetan into Bengali. The others are Bengali and Hindi translations of the Tibetan versions of Siddhānta Ratnāvalī  and Prajnaparamitahr̥dayasūtra (Heart Sutra). The books were completed by teams of university translators and advisors.

Mind Science Academy Grants

The Mind Science Academy was created by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) in Pomaia, Italy, after a 2014 request by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness wished for the Institute to create a program that helps bridge the Buddhist Mind sciences into modern secular education. US$45,665 in grants were awarded to the academy to help support their activities in 2022. Among the programs the Mind Science Academy hosted this year included the European Summer Research Institute, a retreat that sought to “promote, connect, and build the community of contemplative science in Europe” by bringing together 116 scientists, educators, researchers and other professionals from around the world for a contemplative program at ILTK.

Mind Science Academy event posting for their August European Summer Research Institute retreat.

The Academy also collaborated with the University of Pisa to hold a week-long “Summer Camp” called Consciousness and Cognition, which was open to university students, scholars and those working in the field of psychology, psychotherapy and psychiatry. In July, an experiential program for meditation on emptiness was led by Ven. Sonam Wangchuk for experienced and novice meditators as well as university students. The 19-day retreat sought to bridge the Madhyamaka tradition and Western science for participants.

Foundation for the Development of Compassion & Wisdom Grants

Earlier this year, the Foundation for the Development of Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) became the FPMT organization’s official hub of the Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom pillar of service. The increased role for FDCW is to help more directly support local FPMT centers, projects and services with building their secular education programs based on universal human values such as kindness, humility, compassion, courage, and empathy.

The Education and Preservation Fund awarded FDCW a grant of US$69,135 this year to help with the Foundation’s operating costs. Some of the highlights of FDCW offerings this year included a six-part Compassion and Wisdom in Action webinar series. Using Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Live with Compassion quote as the basis for the series, various speakers led discussions on bringing compassion into life activities such as work, meditation, death, facing problems, and joy. Other programs included the Big Love Summit 2022, and providing support and resources for FDCW-certified course facilitators.

Announcement for the final webinar in the Compassion & Wisdom in Action Series. Photo courtesy of FDCW website.

In addition to these activities, FDCW’s director, Victoria Coleman, shared with us some of the Foundation’s resources available to all:

“FDCW has a broad range of resources to pull from. There are 100+ videos on topics like Reclaiming Joy, Kindful Communication, Self-compassion, Getting a Grip on Mind and much more. We are exploring new avenues like video clubs, values cafes, and discussion groups. There are 30 guided meditations on topics like compassion, universal love, courage, perceptions, joy, forgiveness, working with emotions. Some FPMT centers are offering weekly discussion groups using a new FDCW resource called Conversations That Matter. Check out FDCW’s blog for feedback on Conversations That Matter and how it’s impacting communities. FDCW is also focused on how to awaken kindness in children, teaching them about values so that they are equipped to handle the challenges of the modern world with a brave heart and wise mind.”

We rejoice in all these inspiring activities, the work of all those involved, and in the kind generosity of supporters to the Education and Preservation Fund, which provided the much-needed resources for these projects.

Learn more about the Education and Preservation Fund, and all of our FPMT Charitable Projects that are working to build a more compassionate world.